Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat announced her comeback on December 12, 2025, targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after retiring following her heartbreaking Paris 2024 disqualification. The 31-year-old was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight before her 50kg gold medal bout, despite becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Her CAS appeal failed, leading to retirement and election as Haryana MLA from Julana. Phogat revealed "the fire never left" her, stating she needed time away to reflect. She welcomed a son in July 2025 with husband Somvir Rathee, calling him her "biggest motivation." The three-time Olympian holds Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medals.

London Underground, Overground, and Elizabeth line fares will rise 5.8% in March 2026, 1% above inflation as part of TfL's £2.2bn government funding deal. Mayor Sadiq Khan proposes freezing Travelcards until March 2027, keeping weekly/daily caps unchanged, while bus and tram fares remain frozen until July 2026 as a cost-of-living measure. Pay-as-you-go increases are capped at 20p, with many rising just 10p. This contrasts with the national rail fare freeze announced last month. Opposition parties criticized Khan for burdening Londoners while other UK travelers enjoy frozen fares. London TravelWatch notes London already has Europe's most expensive public transport, with delayed train deliveries and worsening bus speeds undermining value. (PC: BBC) 

India has expedited business visa processing for Chinese executives to four weeks by eliminating administrative vetting layers, according to Reuters. This strategic shift aims to attract Chinese investments amid warming bilateral relations and punishing 50% US tariffs on Indian exports. India-China ties, which deteriorated after the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash killing 20 Indian soldiers, have improved through diplomatic dialogues. Full disengagement from Depsang and Demchok standoff sites occurred in December 2024. Bilateral trade reached $127.7 billion in FY25, with China becoming India's second-largest trading partner after the US. Early FY26 data shows exports rising 19.97% and imports increasing 13%, signaling economic momentum despite trade imbalances. (PC: X) 

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police has submitted a 3,500-page charge sheet in the mysterious death of acclaimed Assamese singer Zubeen Garg at the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Guwahati on December 12, marking a crucial development in the high-profile case. The extensive document follows nearly three months of investigation, during which over 300 witnesses were examined and seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Garg died on September 19 in Singapore while swimming, during a visit for the North East India Festival. The filing brings the case closer to trial as authorities pursue justice. (PC: PTI)

Kolkata’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, recording **worse Air Quality Index (AQI) levels than Delhi for seven straight days between December 6 and 12. According to data from AQI monitoring sites, Kolkata’s AQI varied from 184 to 439, with peaks reaching the ‘severe’ and even ‘hazardous’ categories, surpassing Delhi’s readings during the same period. On one day, Kolkata hit an alarming AQI of 558, higher than Delhi’s worst at 477. Experts warn that prolonged exposure poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities have not yet issued official statements on the crisis. (PC: The Telegraph)

Luxury fashion house Prada has signed a landmark pact with Indian government‑linked bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR to bring traditional Kolhapuri chappals to the global fashion stage, blending centuries‑old artisan techniques with modern design. The “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” collection will be crafted in India by skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka and launched worldwide in February 2026 across Prada’s 40 retail outlets and online platforms. Supported by the Maharashtra government, the initiative aims to honour artisans, expand global recognition, and provide training, employment and new opportunities while preserving this GI‑tagged heritage craft. The collaboration follows criticism of a previous Prada collection that featured Kolhapuri‑inspired designs without proper credit, prompting the brand to work directly with local craftspeople. (PC: NDTV)

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has announced her return to competitive wrestling, reversing her retirement with a focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 31-year-old had retired after a controversial disqualification at the Paris Olympics, where she was 100 grams over the weight limit, losing a chance at a medal despite reaching the final. After an 18-month break, including childbirth, Phogat revealed she has rediscovered her passion and determination for wrestling. She plans to resume training and competition, aiming to fulfill her Olympic dream. Her comeback is a major boost for Indian wrestling. (PC: India Today)

Animal welfare activists in Mumbai will hold a peaceful rally on December 14 at Vikrant Circle, Ghatkopar, protesting the Supreme Court-approved SOPs for relocating stray dogs. Led by Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Welfare Foundation, the protest highlights concerns that forced relocation uproots dogs from familiar territories, overcrowds shelters, and may increase human-animal conflicts. Activists argue the policy contradicts humane, community-based methods like sterilisation and vaccination. National animal rights groups and public figures support the rally, emphasizing coexistence over confinement, while organisers also hint at a political push for more animal-friendly policies. (PC: FPJ)

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) unveiled two new stands named after Indian cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on December 11, 2025, before the second T20I between India and South Africa. Harmanpreet’s stand celebrates her leadership in winning the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, while Yuvraj’s honours his role in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs and his iconic career. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann presided over the ceremony, which also saw cash rewards given to World Cup-winning teammates. 

Darjeeling’s historic Glenary’s bar has been ordered closed for 90 days by the West Bengal Excise Department after an inspection found five violations, including unauthorised live performances, improper liquor storage, inaccurate account keeping, and unapproved alterations to the premises — all breaches of excise rules. The bar closure affects the popular winter tourist spot just before the festive season, though Glenary’s restaurant, bakery and café remain open. Owner Ajoy Edwards has called the action politically motivated and plans to challenge it in the High Court. Locals and visitors expressed disappointment at the disruption during peak season. (PC: X)